John Lackey upgrades the Red Sox rotation, but the Yankees aren’t shattered the right-hander is likely headed to their blood rivals — along with outfielder Mike Cameron, who agreed to a two-year deal with Boston yesterday.

And while the Yankees love the person and the hitter, they weren’t in position to meet Hideki Matsui’s request for a one-year deal yesterday. Instead, he is leaving The Bronx for Southern California.

So, on a day when Halladay moved closer to being a Phillie, Lee was on his way to Seattle, Lackey took a Red Sox physical and the Yankees’ World Series MVP is headed to the Angels, the Bombers were winners.

Why?

Because Halladay, whom the Yankees attempted to land, is going to the National League.

“It’s not the Red Sox or Tampa,’’ a Yankee decision-maker said yesterday of Halladay, arguably the best pitcher in baseball, joining the Phillies after a contract extension is agreed to.

The Yankees were interested in Lee, but the asking price from the Phillies was stud prospect Jesus Montero, Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes and several prospects.

“That’s more than the Indians got from the Brewers for [CC] Sabathia and the Indians got from the Phillies for Lee,’’ a baseball official said of the Phillies’ asking price for Lee, who punched his ticket out of Philly when he turned down a contract extension.

“He wanted something in the Sabathia [seven years, $161 million] area,’’ an NL executive said of the left-handed Lee.

Lackey, who agreed to a five-year deal worth around $82.5 million, provides the Red Sox with a rotation upgrade, but isn’t the force Halladay is.

Matsui, who didn’t want to wait for the Yankees to make a decision on Johnny Damon, will be missed.

While it might be hard to replace Matsui’s consistency at the plate and popularity in the clubhouse, GM Brian Cashman has several options in a swollen DH market that includes Vladimir Guerrero and Jack Cust. Cashman says he isn’t afraid to promote Juan Miranda from Triple-A Scranton.

Cashman, who refused to comment on yesterday’s moves, has targeted upgrading the pitching staff (Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro) and left field before addressing the DH spot. He remains engaged with the agents for center fielders Marlon Byrd and Mike Cameron. Curtis Granderson could shift to left.

➤Yankees will be in Houston today to watch Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman throw a bullpen session. Yankees are going to need a few more looks before deciding to go after the lefty whose fastball has been clocked at 100 mph, but who has command issues.